Overview · Member Benefits · Eligibility · Ethics & Standards · Dues & Initiation Fees ·
Application Process · Application

  1. Applicants must show evidence that they provide meaningful professional real estate counseling services, and that their counsel is sought and valued by clients or employers in the making of significant real estate decisions. Services rendered as an appraiser, an asset manager, or a real estate broker shall not be considered counseling, but do not prohibit a person that provides such services from meeting the requirements by performing counseling services in addition to these non-counseling services. There must be objective evidence in files that such counseling services are provided to and valued by clients or employers. Written reports are not essential, but oral reports should be supported by documentation of the work performed. The source of an applicant's compensation (e.g., salary, fee) is not an issue. The standard is what is done rather than how the applicant is paid.


  2. Applicants may counsel only one or a limited number of clients depending on the size and nature of the account(s). An individual providing real estate counseling to an employer may be considered for membership if the counseling services rendered to that organization are of a nature, quality and type that would be provided by an independent real estate counselor.


  3. Applicants must hold a senior position in the firm or company where they serve as an employee or partner. There is no requirement that the applicant be an owner or a principal.


  4. Applicants must be recognized for excellence as an advisor in the their respective field or fields of expertise.


  5. Applicants must be highly regarded for integrity, judgment, and knowledge.


  6. Applicants must have practical experience in the real estate field for at least 10 years, three of which must be in real estate counseling. Graduate academic credentials in real estate or a related field may be considered a viable alternative for up to one year of real estate experience. Applicants must presently have the required levels of recognition, regard and reputation.


  7. Applicants must hold some form of membership in the National Association of Realtors®. Board membership is not required. However, there are provisions for an Institute Affiliate membership at a nominal fee. The processing of an application will not be delayed because of this requirement which can be a condition to extending the invitation to membership.

For more information contact The Counselors of Real Estate.
Copyright 2008 The Counselors of Real Estate